Savor the rich flavors of Savory Butter Chicken in a Slow Cooker! This easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk for a delightful meal that's perfect for any occasion. With just 15 minutes of prep, let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a hearty dish with basmati rice or warm naan. Click through to explore this comforting recipe and treat your taste buds today!
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, neatly diced into bite-sized chunks
1 large onion, finely chopped for a sweet aroma
4 cloves garlic, minced for extra flavor
1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated for warmth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, the base for a rich flavor
1 cup creamy coconut milk, for a luscious texture
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, adding depth to the dish
2 tablespoons garam masala, a blend of fragrant spices
1 tablespoon ground coriander for a citrusy note
1 teaspoon cumin, adding a warm, earthy flavor
1 teaspoon turmeric powder for color and health benefits
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
Salt, to taste for balancing flavors
2 tablespoons sugar (to counteract acidity)
Fresh cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness as garnish
Cooked basmati rice or warm naan, for serving
![For a tasty Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, neatly diced into bite-sized chunks - 1 large onion, finely chopped for a sweet aroma - 4 cloves garlic, minced for extra flavor - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated for warmth - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, the base for a rich flavor - 1 cup creamy coconut milk, for a luscious texture - 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, adding depth to the dish The spices make this dish special. Here’s what you need: - 2 tablespoons garam masala, a blend of fragrant spices - 1 tablespoon ground coriander for a citrusy note - 1 teaspoon cumin, adding a warm, earthy flavor - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder for color and health benefits - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice tolerance) - Salt, to taste for balancing flavors - 2 tablespoons sugar (to counteract acidity) Garnishes add color and flavor. Here are my favorites: - Fresh cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness as garnish - Cooked basmati rice or warm naan, for serving When you serve this dish, the bright green cilantro looks great on top. Pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up the creamy sauce. This meal is sure to impress! For the full recipe, check out the details provided. Start by getting your slow cooker ready. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the bottom. Mix them gently. This creates a fragrant base that will make your butter chicken shine. Now, take your diced chicken thighs and layer them on top of the onion mix. Sprinkle a good amount of salt over the chicken. This step is key for flavor. The salt helps the chicken absorb all the tasty goodness as it cooks. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, coconut milk, garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. This sauce is the heart of your butter chicken. It brings all the flavors together. Pour the sauce over the chicken and onion carefully. Place the stick of butter right on top of the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. When it’s done, remove the lid. Stir in the sugar and adjust the salt. Mix well until the butter melts and blends into the sauce. Serve hot with freshly chopped cilantro on top. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To create authentic butter chicken, focus on the spices. Use fresh garam masala. This spice mix gives warmth and depth. Don't skip the ginger and garlic; they add rich flavor. The buttery sauce forms a perfect balance with the spices. Coconut milk adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Try adding a squeeze of lemon for brightness. A common mistake is using low-quality spices. Fresh spices bring out the best taste. Avoid overcooking the chicken; it can turn tough. Ensure you do not skip the sugar; it balances acidity. Lastly, don’t rush the slow cooking process. Allow the flavors to meld by cooking low and slow, and you will taste the difference. Layer ingredients correctly in your slow cooker. Start with onions, garlic, and ginger. This builds a strong base. Maintain a low temperature for long cooking times. This helps the spices infuse deeply into the chicken. Stir gently after cooking to mix flavors without breaking the chicken. Always taste before serving; adjust salt and spice levels if needed. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above! {{image_4}} You can use other proteins for this recipe. Chicken is traditional, but you can try: - Shrimp, which cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. - Tofu, for a great vegetarian protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully. - Paneer, a soft cheese that adds a lovely texture and taste. - Turkey, which gives a leaner option with a similar flavor profile. Feel free to adjust cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, while turkey may need a bit longer. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, swap out the meat and dairy. Use: - Cauliflower or chickpeas for protein and texture. - Coconut cream instead of butter, giving a rich flavor without dairy. - Vegetable broth in place of chicken flavors for a hearty base. Cook these ingredients for about 4-6 hours on low heat for best results. Different regions in India add their own twist to butter chicken. You can try: - Adding fenugreek leaves for a unique, herbal flavor. - Using smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. - Experimenting with curry leaves for a fresh, zesty note. These spices can change the taste profile while still keeping the dish delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventure and explore new flavors! To keep your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any smell transfers. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing is a great option. When ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using the stove for even heat. Pour the butter chicken into a pot over low heat. Stir often and heat until hot. If it seems thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing is simple. Place the cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, squeezing out the air. Label it with the date so you remember when you made it. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken anytime! To make your butter chicken spicy, add more chili powder. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add some diced green chilies or red pepper flakes. These ingredients boost heat and flavor. Remember, it's easier to add more spice than to tone it down. Mix well and taste as you go. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook well in the slow cooker. However, chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time closely. They may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Always cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Serve your butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Both soak up the rich sauce. You can also add a side salad for freshness. Consider a cucumber raita to cool down the spice. This yogurt-based dip complements the dish nicely. Enjoying butter chicken with these sides makes for a satisfying meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing it. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. In this post, we covered how to make Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken. We explored main ingredients, spices, and serving suggestions. I shared step-by-step instructions for a perfect sauce and cooking process. Tips on flavor and common mistakes will help you make it right. We also looked at tasty variations, storage tips, and answered key questions. Now, you can enjoy this dish anytime with ease. Happy cooking!](https://tossedtastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/f7eb7126-6a01-4499-aa7a-f0e4b92a5254-300x300.webp)